Cam software... any tips?

[jinu117]

As I am using the mill more for prototypes, I am facing new challange.
While bobcad/cam v21 does adequately (no I don't draw anything in it...) the tool path typically seems very unoptimized not to mention having to spend quite some time generating tool path (and the simulation is worth almost nothing to me lot of times especially when I have peck drill cycle, etc).
Basically I am looking for something that can make good tool path (efficient) and not too hard to learn again. I've had some exposure to visual mill (while it works good it's still not too efficient is what I am seeing in toolpath).
Any recommendation you guys can come up with? Been eyeing surfcam but not 100% sure how well it really works.
As for design, I do most of my design in Solidworks.

[dafowfidy]

Personally I use DelCam with its open API and easy to use Macro language, it makes automation very easy. As for your situation do a bench marking but I would suggest looking very close to its ability to be customized.

[DareBee]

IMO toolpath efficiency is not very important for most prototyping. Speed of programming and set-up is where most of the time is lost.

[SyilAmerica]

By FAR, the easiest CAM system I've used that produced:

1. the most beautiful code
2. with little effort
3. and worked directly with Solidworks

was SprutCAM. Russian based, but have a dealer in Canada that is awesome when it comes to support.

I like BobCAD for simple things, but it tends to become "work" with anything complicated.

[DareBee]

Originally Posted by SyilAmerica By FAR, the easiest CAM system I've used that produced: 1. the most beautiful code 2. with little effort 3. and worked directly with Solidworks was SprutCAM. Russian based, but have a dealer in Canada that is awesome when it comes to support. I like BobCAD for simple things, but it tends to become "work" with anything complicated.

I have spoke with TT a few times in the product and REALLY liked what I have seen. They ONLY thing stopped me from seriously pursuing (and likely buying) the product was the lack of true 4 axis machining.
I recommend a look at this software to anyone.

[SyilAmerica]

2005 was 4th indexed, but I think their new 2007 is live 4th.

[DareBee]

It's still 3+1 by my info.

As I said, worth a look for anyone whose needs it covers.

[jinu117]

Playing with the demo... Wonder if there is post for Mach?
It seems much more refined (dare I say better looking than Visual Mill?)
I haven't quite gotten over some idiosyncrosy of different way of setting up (I only played with it for last 30 minutes and already got some simulation done...) and probably will need to spend some time calling them and playing around...
It seems to be much better in many ways for quick prototyping, etc. Wonder much more surfcam would be in general efficiency now..
(oh and it crashed in middle of playing with different tool path generation with no error).

[MichaelHenry]

SprutCAM has a list of posts here:

http://www.sprutcam.com/Products/Spr...Postprocessors

and Mach2 is on the list. I'm using SprutCAM 2007 on a Tormach mill with Mach3 and it seems to work pretty well so far.

Mike

[mayhugh1]

The lathe operations in Sprutcam 2007 look pretty good and they are willing to create posts for popular lathes. Syil, you might want to contact them about creating one for your C6. They aren't yet familiar with MachTurn but they do have experience in developing posts for the Mach mill controller.

[SyilAmerica]

Wrote my own post for SprutCAM. You can download it here:

SprutCAM

I'm using the old version. Sure would like to upgrade though to get that lathe function.